I do only a few of those things you mentioned. I have a Apple touch, so am familiar with and use the Ambiance app for soothing sounds, curiosity mostly, but I find a few of them help.
Exercise I enjoy and don't do enough of. But after I have, just after my shower, I feel the best I ever do, I think. Something is released in the brain, has to be, and it does help for a while.
You have me hooked on that Sea of Tranquility. I have played it a number of times yesterday and today.
That iPad app must be something on that beautiful screen they have. They don't have it for the Touch and it would be tiny, if they did :(
The scalp massager is just fascinating. Maybe some day. I know it feels really nice to some people; i haven't yet tried it. Except for that little bug looking thing they had when I was a kid. It had four "legs" and I guess it was for the back, mostly, but we kids used it on our heads too. Well, on each other's, much to the victim's annoyance.
Great article and great ideas. Thank you.
Hello Paul!
I debated and debated about the iPad but I am so glad I chose it instead of a netbook. It looks...like nothing else and is intuitive. There are problems of course like no USB ports, spotty coverage from AT&T, can't print (easily) from it, etc. But it is so much fun and user friendly and...I love all the relaxation apps and apps to help with mood. Guess I got sidetracked here on the discussion but it is just so fascinating to me how the new technology can be used to help with things like anxiety and depression.
Get yourself an iPad sometime soon...you will love it!
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For me, relaxation was definitely something I had to learn. In my early 40's. The process was difficult because I was a multi-tasker all the way. I had always been ABLE to multitask and considered it a skill I was lucky to possess. I didn't realize that it was possessing me. There was this obsession with finding a job my parents approved (after I lost my "good" job to depression and schizophrenia.) And trying desperately to lose weight despite the out-of-control hunger that my meds conjured up. AND trying to reconnect with the creative part of myself. And...well, the list goes on. All of this was fueling the depression and lapses into psychosis because there was never and end to it. Never a stopping place. A Catch-22 because the more I would strive to achieve, the worse my mental problems became. And the bigger my mental problems grew the less I was able to achieve.
It finally all came to a screaming halt. Others said the path to wellness was to "get out there and do what you've always done so well." But fortunately, the voice inside was louder. It told me that the only way I would get well was to step away from the rat race and be still. SLOW DOWN became my mantra. I stopped looking for a job and conceded to living with my parents for a while. I went with the flow. For at least 2-3 years, I did not pressure myself to do anything -- not to wear makeup, not to record my weight every day, not be so rigorous about keeping with my usual routine, not to help with housework, not volunteering to do much of anything. Mostly, I wrote in my journal for hours. And that helped tremendously. It was what I needed to do to survive and move toward recovery.
Later, I added meditation, yoga occasionally, exercise, eating healthy food, involvement at church, volunteer work. I began to examine every demand on my physical and mental person and see if it was something that I really wanted to do, or whether it was too stressful. Or whether I was doing it for the right reasons. I knew that when I got better I would have the wherewithal to add more responsibilities.
I was lucky to be able to live with my parents for so many years, even though it was never easy. It was the only way I could get well. Not everyone has that option. But I believe everyone can look at their lives and take away the pursuits/demands that are not absolutely necessary. Everyone can learn relaxation techniques. Most of us can exercise and eat a fairly healthy diet. Most of us can learn the techniques and requirements of cutting back on needless stress, if only for the time it takes to get well again.
Donna
Hey Donna!
I love your comment as it really hones in on what is the most important thing...your mental and physical health. I should copy your mantra of "BE STILL" whenever I want to do fifty million things at once. In some ways my MS has helped me to relax...as now...I kinda have to. Well I don't have to exactly but if I ignore what my body is telling me I start to fall apart like the scarecrow in the wizard of oz...might lost my vision, feelings in my legs, etc. My MS symptoms are a wake up call to relax and...slow down.
You are inspiring as always. Thank you so much for stopping on over here to the anxiety site. Always love to hear from you.